Ambassador Highlight

Ezekiel Zimmerman

Ezekiel Zimmerman
Howard County (IN) Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Ezekiel Zimmerman joined the Howard County Sheriff’s Office in 2007, starting his law enforcement career as a Corrections Officer. He served nine years within the jail system and as a 911 dispatcher before becoming a Merit Deputy in 2016. Having successfully completed the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and a one-year term of probation, Ezekiel became a sworn member of the Sheriff’s Office. Ezekiel’s passion for the job was evident in his motivation to succeed. Over the course of a few short years, he joined the department’s Hostage Negotiation Team, Dive Team, and their Honor Guard. He maintains a busy work schedule while remaining a devoted husband and father.

Deputy Sheriff Carl Allen Koontz
Memorial Panel: 40-W: 30

Ezekiel’s path to becoming an Ambassador for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund began in 2016, six years before the formal formation of this exciting new program. It was that year that Deputy Sheriff Carl Koontz was shot and killed while attempting to serve two drug-related warrants against a single subject. Ezekiel remembers, “Carl was liked in our agency and in the community. I had the privilege of dispatching Carl, and serving with him when I worked as a reserve officer in a small town within Howard County. All those who knew him had a story. He impacted us all.”

The legacy of Deputy Koontz lives on. His badge number, 34-76, remains prominently displayed on the Howard County Sheriff’s Office (IN) homepage.

In 2022, Ezekiel and fellow members from the department’s Honor Guard Team attended the 34th Annual Candlelight Vigil in Washington D.C. to honor Deputy Koontz. Remembering that time, Ezekiel recalled, “Carl’s legacy lives within the department. He served with honor and integrity. We remember his heroic actions and his memory instills in us a sense of pride for the job we do.”

It was on that trip in 2022 that Ezekiel connected with Aaron Slater, founder and owner of Relentless Defender Apparel. Slater, who is also a member of the board of directors for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, suggested the Ambassador Program to Ezekiel. Looking for a way to support the Memorial, survivors, and officers from around the country, Ezekiel began looking into the program. Ambassadors bring awareness to the mission of NLEOMF, honoring our fallen while promoting a variety of programs and initiatives of the Museum and Office Safety and Wellness department. His desire to do more for the men and women in law enforcement prompted him to become a credentialed member of the Ambassador Program, working with team members from around the country.

Ezekiel returned to Washington DC for the 2023 National Police Week. He joined fellow Ambassadors from Idaho, Ohio, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, California, and Connecticut at the Annual Honor Guard and Police Unity Tour Reception. Together, they networked with officers from around the nation, bringing attention to the vital work being done daily.

“I am humbled beyond words to be an Ambassador for such an important and meaningful organization that honors our fallen brothers and sisters. I am looking forward to our future endeavors!” he said.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Ambassador Program promotes the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, National Law Enforcement Museum, and the Officer Safety and Wellness programming through outreach, resources, and education.

All active and retired law enforcement officers are encouraged to apply. Start your application process.